MOTW: Five Reasons Why "300: Rise of an Empire" Will Be a Successful FIlm

The movie "300" set a new standard for historical action films, revealing the aesthetic brilliance of a battle while engaging audiences with a timeless story. In 2008, the producers of the film announced plans for a sequel. The new film entitled "300: Rise of an Empire," which is set to come out in the spring of 2014, features an exciting plot surrounding the army of King Xerxes and the Greek forces. Audiences are wondering if the film will experience the same wild success as the original. For those in doubt, the following are a few reasons why "300: Rise of an Empire" is sure to be an epic success.

Standout Cast

Although the plot and cinematography are outstanding, it is the actors who truly pull this film together and make it a success. A number of actors are reprising their roles from the previous film. Rodrigo Santoro returns as King Xerxes, the ruthless mortal-turned-god who leads the Persian army to conquer Greece. Santoro captivates audiences with the passion and raw emotion he puts into his character. Lena Headey also returns for her role of Queen Gorgo, the Spartan wife of slain King Leonidas.

The film also brings in some fresh new faces for fans to enjoy. Sullivan Stapleton, known for films like "Gangster Squad" and "Strike Back," lends his acting talents for the hero Themistocles. The beautiful and talented Eva Green, known for her roles in "Dark Shadows" and "Kingdom of Heaven," enters the story as Artemesia, commander of the Persian army.

A Story Worth Watching

"300" is an action-packed war film based on the Battle of Thermopylae, but "300: Rise of an Empire" takes it up a notch with an epic battle saga on the high seas. The story is based on Frank Miller's graphic novel "Xerxes" and follows Persia's siege on the Greek city states. Admiral Themistocles leads a fleet in a fight against King Xerxes and his men, resulting in a sea battle with bloodshed.

The story of "300: Rise of an Empire" is neither a sequel nor a prequel. It takes place at roughly the same time as "300," although much of the story plays out after Xerxes' victory over Leonidas' men. However, the film's scope is much broader than the original, giving audiences a better idea of what happened as the Greeks fought the Persians. This unique timeline is sure to attract fans of the original film as it continues the story rather than creating something new entirely.

Breathtaking Visuals

One of the most applauded aspects of the original "300" is its beautiful, revolutionary cinematography. The new film promises the same stunning visuals, which viewers are able to glimpse in movie clips and trailers. War is glorified in an aesthetic sense as the film reveals each death and drop of bloodshed with rich color and intense detail. This is sure to attract a wide array of dedicated action fans and followers of war movies, but it also appeals to a broader audience with great visuals that are enhanced on the big screen.

Release in 3D and IMAX 3D

Use of 3D technology has become fairly common, especially in association with epic films that feature plenty of action. "300: Rise of an Empire" takes advantage of this concept, combining renowned cinematography with 3D technology to create a visually stunning film that is sure to draw audiences. Its release in IMAX 3D will further push the success of the film, allowing viewers to watch monumental battle scenes on a screen big enough to draw them into the film and the action.

Stunning Trailers That Draw Audiences

The creators of "300: Rise of an Empire" have gone to great lengths to draw in audiences for the upcoming film. The trailers reveal a piece of the story without giving away too much, and the producers include some of the biggest action sequences of the film. Audiences also glimpse Xerxes, Themistocles and the other heroes and villains of the story, piquing their interest. The trailers are visually stunning, and they have an overall epic feel that is sure to attract movie-goers from all backgrounds.

"300: Rise of an Empire" promises the same epic storytelling, beautiful cinematography, action-packed plot and brilliant acting as the first film. With everything it has going for it, this anticipated flick may achieve more success than its 2008 predecessor, "300," even without King Leonidas' (Gerard Butler's) abs. For now, fans must wait until early 2014 to see some of their favorite characters of the ancient world return to the big screen.